The findings of a survey by UK business management and information systems provider, COA Solutions (www.coasolutions.com), has revealed that 51% of senior human resource (HR) professionals intend to increase the overall size of their workforces by the end of 2010. COA Solutions carried out the research with 75 senior HR professionals (HR directors and managers) across a range of UK public sector and private sector organisations.

30% of the respondents stated that they intend to increase their workforces by the end of 2009 with 21% saying that they plan to recruit in 2010. 13% intend to wait until 2011. Despite this increasing optimism, COA Solutions' survey also highlights that a level of uncertainty still persists amongst HR professionals due to the challenging economic climate. 21% of those surveyed have "no plans" to hire more staff whilst 8% said that they "didn't know" whether their organisation will be recruiting any time soon. The remaining 7% stated that they will start recruiting after 2011.

Chris Box, HCM Sales Manager from COA Solutions, says, "This survey suggests that just over half of HR professionals are expecting recruitment to overtake redundancies within the next 18 months, providing much needed optimism about future job security. With this in mind, it is important that businesses start preparing now for increasing their workforces, including having the right systems and processes in place for supporting growth in the upturn."

Box continues, "It is vitally important that businesses nurture staff engagement amongst their workforces now to encourage their loyalty before the job market picks-up. In the upturn, disillusioned employees will have the confidence to seek alternative job opportunities and will be less concerned about their job performance, having a detrimental effect on an organisation's bottom line. An organisation which invests in systems and processes to motivate and develop staff in the downturn, will have a happier and more productive workforce when the upturn eventually comes, ultimately impacting its growth and long-term success."

-ENDS-

About COA Solutions www.coasolutions.com
COA Solutions is the UK's leading supplier of integrated business management and information systems to public, private and not-for-profit organisations in the service sector. COA Solutions prides itself on getting close to its customers by understanding their businesses and responding to their business needs.

COA Solutions' award-winning Smart Business Suite combines core financial management, procurement, human resource and payroll systems, integrated with a range of collaborative, document management and business intelligence solutions. COA Solutions also provides managed service, hosted service and bureau service options. Its systems and services extend the value and effectiveness of the finance, HR and payroll departments across the organisation and enable managers in the business to monitor, analyse and continually improve corporate performance.

COA Solutions has more than 500 experienced and professional staff supporting and servicing over 4,000 clients across the UK service sector including Companies House, Newcastle City Council, WHSmith, Royal Bank of Scotland, Aer Lingus, National Express Group, DFS, RSPB and Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust.

Contacts:

Liz Ebbrell, COA Solutions

Liz.ebbrell@coasolutions.com

+44(0)1625 856505 and 07917 634 705

Ben Carey, COA Solutions

Ben.carey@coasolutions.com

+44 (0)1625 856505

Further information (external website)